Flights to Colombo

Since 2009, Colombo has been enjoying a renaissance and tourism is consequently booming. Flights to Colombo will deliver you to smart new hotels, rooftop nightlife venues, fine dining restaurants, coffee shops and art galleries – all of which are rapidly reviving the fortunes of this increasingly cosmopolitan city.

Visually, this ancient port is imbued with contrasts. Between 1505 and 1948, Sri Lanka was subject to colonial rule and the architectural styles of the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British are still very much in evidence. Striking landmarks include the Old Dutch Hospital, now a smart restaurant and shopping precinct, as well as the lovingly-restored National Museum and the Galle Face Hotel.

The up-and-coming Fort area is home to numerous colonial buildings in various states of repair, while the neighbourhood of Pettah boasts a multi-ethnic wholesale market.

The city has no obvious centre; sights, restaurants and shops are scattered over a large area. The affluent Cinnamon Gardens district, bordered by the city’s biggest green space, the Viharamahadevi Park, has chic coffee shops, boutique hotels and spas. Business-oriented Kollupitiya, a 15-minute walk from the World Trade Centre towers, is dotted with high-end hotel chains. Mount Lavinia, Colombo’s southernmost suburb, is where you’ll find the city’s main beach.

While Colombo doesn’t lack for smart places to stay, you can save a few rupees by opting for one of a growing number of budget and mid-range hotels and sticking to the local food joints, which dish up authentic Sri Lankan cuisine.

What to do in Colombo

Enjoy a sunset on Galle Face Green

By late afternoon, the 800m-long Galle Face Green is brought to life by cricket matches, kite flying and families picnicking. The city’s best street food snacks are also hawked along a seaside promenade. For a bird’s eye view of the scene, make for The Kingsbury Hotel's lofty Sky Lounge, a smart rooftop nightlife venue.

Check out the art scene

Colombo’s contemporary art scene is gaining international recognition and its talented artists have more choice of representation than ever. Noted galleries include the Saskia Fernando Gallery, Hempel Galleries and the Sapumal Foundation. Yet the best spot is open air; every day emerging artists – mostly students – display their efforts on the railings of the Viharamahadevi Park.

Where to eat in Colombo

Clique Supper Club & Lounge Bar (International)

This fifth-floor lounge and restaurant, attached to a buzzy nightlife venue, has floor-to-ceiling windows offering views of the Lipton Circus and Union Place. Popular with Colombo's in-crowd, Clique’s international menu pulls in dishes from as far afield as Japan, Mexico and Spain; the succulent sous-vide steaks are a specialty.

Mawatha
505 Union Place
+94 767 254 783

Nuga Gama (Sri Lankan)

In the heart of Kollupitiya’s high-rise entertainment district stands this rural village-style restaurant serving a menu of Sinhala cuisine that changes daily. The scene is man-made, but the sarong-clad stewards, the magnificent banyan tree and the authentic dishes – order the jackfruit seed curry – make it feel traditional.

The Cinnamon Grand
77 Galle Road
3
+94 11 2 437 437

The Gallery Café (International)

Geoffrey Bawa’s former offices set a stylish scene for some of the city’s best international fusion cuisine. Owned by Paradise Road founder Shanth Fernando, the restaurant’s monochrome interiors are adorned with contemporary art and tables spill into a lively courtyard.

2 Alfred House Road
3

Places to stay in Colombo

OZO Colombo

Located on the seafront along Marine Drive, rooms in this affordable high-rise are slick and contemporary, and many have superb sea views. The rooftop of the hotel houses ON14, where you’ll find a pool and nightlife venue.

36-38 Clifford Place
Marina Drive
4
+94 11 2 555 570

Casa Colombo Hotel

Proprietor Lalin Jinasena single-handedly designed every piece of furniture at this luxurious retro chic hotel in Colombo’s central business district. The hotel is popular with couples and business travellers, and the exterior of the 200-year-old Moorish mansion is a complete contrast to the 12 slick suites and pink pool inside.

231 Galle Road
Bambalapitiya
4
+94 11 4 520 130

The Cinnamon Grand

From the minute you book into The Cinnamon Grand, you know you’re in for an excellent stay. It houses excellent dining options (notably Nuga Gama and The Lagoon), a resort-style pool and well-equipped rooms. There are rooms to suit all budgets, right up to penthouse suites, and most of them offer city views.

77 Galle Road
Galle Face
3
+94 11 2 437 437

Plan your trip

Rent a car

Whether you’re travelling for work or pleasure, enjoy taking things at your own pace by hiring a car on emirates.com. Add car hire to an existing flight by visiting Manage your booking, or even book a hire car without booking a flight at all.

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Most popular destinations from Colombo (CMB)

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